Angel Chavez and his 3-year-old son, Kaivon, play on a hill at Discovery Green as the sun sets.

Angel Chavez and his 3-year-old son, Kaivon, play on a hill at Discovery Green as the sun sets.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Staff

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The Shark Voyage train ride under the 200,000 gallon shark tank at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston.

The Shark Voyage train ride under the 200,000 gallon shark tank at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston.

Photo: James Nielsen, Staff

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Bluebonnets lined the south meadow trail at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.

Bluebonnets lined the south meadow trail at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Staff

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A guide to Houston's parks

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Houston is one of the greener cities in America, which means you can find a fine park at almost any outpost in the metro area. If you're searching for a new, or familiar, green space this list can you get among the trees and grass.

iFly Houston Indoor Skydiving: iFly facilities create the sensation of a free-fall, sans plane or parachute - a vertical wind tunnel produces 60 seconds of wall-to-wall air so participants simply float. It's the skydiving rush without the risk, and it's safe for anyone over age 3 who doesn't have a back, shoulder or neck injury. Although the "flight" is short, first-timers undergo training, so plan to be there for about an hour. 9540 I-10, 281-942-4359, and 26860 N. I-45, 281-942-4359; iflyworld.com. Cost: Prices start at $69.95; reservations recommended. Inner Loop

Jumping World Houston: Indoor trampoline park with a foam pit, dodge ball and basketball courts, and a video arcade. 14147 Northwest Freeway U.S. 290, 713-996-7811; jumpingworldusa.com. Hours and prices vary per day of the week. NW

Discovery Green: The John P. McGovern Playground at this 11-acre downtown park is carved into a tree-shaded hill that shields youngsters (age 12 and younger only) from area streets. 1500 McKinney, 713-400-7336; discoverygreen.com.

Donovan Park: Heights park has wooden structures on which children can climb and play, including a large castle, a smaller castle and a train. 700 Heights, 713-861-4002.

Buffalo Bayou Park: With the downtown skyline as a backdrop, the new Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion here features a boulder rock scramble, rolling lawn, stream and waterfall, climbing logs and stones, and a 33-foot slide. 500 Allen Parkway; buffalobayou.org.

Hermann Park: Kid-friendly amenities such as the Hermann Park Railroad and the handicap-accessible Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children add to the allure of the 445-acre, urban park. There's also a water playground, and the Houston Zoo is a stone's throw away. 6001 Fannin, 713-524-5876; hermannpark.org.